Something Like Lightning Read Free

someone else will when they see you together. Lately it’s hard to miss.”
    Before he could respond, the phone chimed. Kelly grabbed it and read the text message.
    what are we doing
    Kelly searched for a good idea but came up empty, so he went with the default. The mall? on my way
    Kelly pocketed the phone. As he stood, he saw his mother’s worried expression. “There’s nothing to tell. We’re just friends.”
    Laisha considered him. “When I was in college, your father kept saying the same thing. He’d show up at my dorm room day after day with a bouquet of flowers, and he’d always say—”
    “Flowers for my best friend,” Doug said. “You looked terrified each time. Somehow it worked though.”
    “Yes, but all you needed to do was tell me the truth. Instead of flowers, I wanted to hear how you really felt about me.”
    His father appeared puzzled. “But you liked the flowers, didn’t you?”
    “Not as much as I liked you showing up. And I wasn’t terrified. I was excited. And nervous.”
    Kelly watched his mother’s eyes shine at the memory. A little persistence and a bunch of flowers. If only it could be that easy for him, strolling up to Jared and thrusting out a bouquet of roses that communicated everything he felt. Or better yet, forget the flowers. Kelly would rather speak those three magical words. What a way to come out! No careful explanations, no awkward questions afterwards. Just the truth, spoken aloud, carrying countless implications in so few syllables.
    I love you.
    Jared was easily entertained. Kelly couldn’t remember ever seeing him yawn, even near bedtime. Thank goodness, because this was their third trip to the mall this month and November was still young. They strolled through stores long-familiar to them both, eyes scanning inventory that hadn’t changed since their last visit. Neither was looking to buy, so they mostly just talked.
    “I can’t believe you brought that thing along,” Jared said.
    “Why?” Kelly asked, reaching for the camera that hung around his neck.
    “It’s so nerdy.”
    “The camera is awesome.” Kelly lifted it to his face and clicked the shutter. On the display screen flashed an image of Jared looking annoyed. He’d add it to the collection. Kelly lowered the camera slightly and glanced around for inspiration. “Grab that dress and hold it up.”
    Jared appeared puzzled before taking a dress off the rack. He held it away from him, looking like a bullfighter wielding a black flag covered in sequins.
    “Hold it against you,” Kelly said.
    “You’re crazy!” Jared guffawed, but did what he was told. “You’re not going to take a photo, are you?”
    Contrary to his words, Jared was clearly amused by the idea. He even flipped the hanger over so it couldn’t be seen, holding the dress fabric right up to his neck. Like Kelly, he had a runner’s build, meaning he was lithe enough that the dress might actually fit him.
    “Looking good,” Kelly said as he snapped a few photos. “I think we might have found this season’s top model!”
    Jared jutted out his hip to appear more feminine. After a couple more photos, he reached for the camera. “Your turn.”
    “Not a chance,” Kelly said, taking a step back. “My drag days are firmly behind me.”
    Jared snorted. “Just as well. You know you can’t compete.”
    “You’re probably right.”
    One of the salesclerks gave them the evil eye, so they put the dress back, left the store, and headed out to the mall corridor. Kelly flipped through preview images on the camera as they walked. One was a close-up of Jared’s face, and for once he didn’t look annoyed. Damn that smile was gorgeous!
    “Stop messing with that thing,” Jared hissed.
    Kelly glanced up at him, then followed his gaze to a group of girls coming toward them. Not wanting to embarrass his friend, he slung the camera around to his side where it stood out less. Jared started strutting just as the girls were